Rotorua Mile Stones & random news events recorded in Rotorua and other NZ Newspapers c1889-1980.

Rotorua as seen in the News

October 1889 & 1890 Bay of Plenty Times (BPT)

Local talks and negotiations with Government continue as they seek to purchase the new Town.  See the Fenton Agreement.

BPT 12 October 1891: The Town Board offers a £5 reward for information on the person or persons who destroyed recently planted willow trees on the Esplanade.

BPT 26 Oct 1891: Many applications are being received for business and residential sections in the new Town. Minister of Lands assures them he will arrange matters to the gratification of the applicants.

BPT 26 Oct 1894: An Auckland builder W.H. Holman’s tender to build the Rotorua Court House is accepted.

Hot Lakes Chronicle 2 October 1895 : 

 ‘The Town Board calls for tenders for the formation of Pukuatua & Hinemoa Streets between Fenton and Tutanekai Streets, and for grubbing the extension of Hinemoa Street’

 ‘Town Board has estimated that the cost of water pipes to be extended along Tutanekai and various cross-streets would cost £972 and a further sum of £500 would be required to extend the Postmaster’s Bath’

‘Stray cattle & horses might still be seen at large about the streets, in spite of the ‘stringent’ instructions to the Poundkeeper. He recently manifested his zeal in impounding the [Town Board] chairman and secretary’s horses and it was gratifying to see that he showed not fear nor favour’

‘Mr Dansey proposed a ‘Fire Brigade’ for the town and asks for funding from the Town Board. The Chairman, Mr Malfroy, said “that in the meantime it was only a moral support that could be given, but he believed that in a measure now before the House [Parliament], power would be given whereby the Board could aid them financially.”   Mr Corlett one of a deputation for the Fire Brigade, stated that some work had already begun to form a Brigade and would like assistance from the Board in “obtaining a site for a fire station in the new town” in the conversation that ensued, it was suggested that there would be plenty of room in the Courthouse enclosure and it was not likely that the Dept. of Justice would make any objection’ [This did eventually occur in c1905 after the Grand Hotel burned to the ground on October 24^th 1904] 

Fire brigade outside station, Haupapa Street, Rotorua; Circa 1921; OP-864
Owner of Photograph : Rotorua Museum 

Hot Lakes Chronicle 7 Oct 1896 the Local news includes the following:

‘The Native Land Court has been engaged during the week in dealing with succession orders, and the partition of the Paeroa Block, Waiotapu. The Horohoro cases will be taken on the 15^th.’

‘The Whakatane-Te Teko road is now advanced to within five miles of the Tarawera River. The construction party is now working about two miles to the westward of Rotorua and Rotoiti-paku, between which lakes the road will pass’

‘The highly mineralised atmosphere in this locality has a most deleterious effect on the delicate mechanism of watches and enquiries are frequently made as to which watch is best adapted to withstand the sulphur fumes. Mr Kohn a watchmaker of Auckland… supplies a particular make of stem-winding watches… which are warrented impervious to the influences in question’   

‘The Prospecting Association held a meeting to receive reports from the prospectors who have been at work at Horohoro and in the neighbourhood of Tapuaeharuru on Lake Rotoiti. In regard to the former a Mr Macdonald stated that he had found nothing which would indicate the presence of gold.’

‘A highly successful tea and social took place in the Schoolhouse on Wednesday evening last in aid of the funds for the erection of the Presbyterian church’

In the Hot Lakes Chronicle 21 Oct 1896 an article appeared on ‘Work at Whakarewarewa’

The Geyser Area at Whakarewarewa as surveyed by Mr Baber, work had already begun and further work planned to open up the area by road and footpaths. The article mentions a rickety bridge by which access is currently gained to the area and it was expected that a new bridge, ‘strong and wide enough for vehicular traffic’ would be built. The article goes on to say ‘In regard to Pohutu, Mr Malfroy informed us [the people in this entourage] that he intends to do something which will cause it to play regularly every day at a certain hour.’

In the Hot Lakes Chronicle 28^th October 1896 a report was published outlining the Library and Reading Room Annual Report.

One of the income items was listed as ‘Sales of Waste Paper’ and they received a sum of £1 and 8 pence.

The listed expenses included Newspapers, Magazines, Kerosene, Insurance, concerts expenses, coal, solicitor’s fee’s and stamps. This all came to the grand sum of £59.  The Library and Reading Room at this time was in a small building next to the Comet Store, as seen in a photo published in our October 2018 blog post.

Auckland Star 3 October 1912: Lands for selection ‘Certain areas of town and village will be offered for sale or lease by public auction by the Crown Lands Department at the Assembly Hall…the greater portion of the land is situated in the town and suburbs of Rotorua.’

Lyttelton Times 7 November 1914: Rotorua Tenures Commission formed. “It has been ascertained that under the ‘Thermal Springs Act, 1881 there were 386 leases’ a further 429 leases were issued under subsequent acts in 1892 and 1908… the ‘Commissioners are of the opinion that it would be in the interests of  the State that any holder of leasehold Crown lands other than the occupiers of the Education Reserve desiring to obtain freehold should be afforded the opportunity’

Rotorua Chronicle 9^th October 1920: Rotorua Town Lands Act is passed. 

Evening Star 31^st October 1922: Rotorua Borough Act is passed, this enables the first Councillors and Mayor of Rotorua to be elected. This also is when the Tourist Department ceases to administer the affairs of the town.

Rotorua Morning Post 14^th October 1937: The First State Houses are built (next to Council Housing Project)

Rotorua Morning Post 14^th October 1940: The new Library was officially opened (in the Municipal Building)

Rotorua Morning Post 5^th October 1942 : The avenue of Gum trees lining both sides of Fenton Street are to be felled because the Electricity Dept. says they are too tall and are encroaching on the lines.

Rotorua Morning Post 29^th October 1945: The Dedication of the Bell Shrine at Ohinemutu takes place. This is a memorial to Mr Tai Mitchell.

Rotorua Post 11^th October 1955: Mr Ed Hillary is in town to raise funds for his NZ Team to Antarctica.

Rotorua Post 13^th October 1956: The Rotorua branch of the National Council of Women is inaugurated.

Daily Post 3^rd October 1964: The new Rotorua Airport is officially opened.

Daily Post 14^th October 1966: The premier of Howard Morrison’s film “Don’t let it get to you” is shown.

Daily Post 4^th October 1967: Alfred Hitchcock visits Rotorua.

Daily Post 13^th October 1969: The new Kiwanis Club receives their Charter.

Daily Post 6^th October 1971: The Rotorua Association of Paraplegic and Disabled Persons is formed.

Daily Post 15^th October 1973: The Rotorua Supreme Court is officially opened by the Chief Justice of New Zealand Sir Richard Wild.

Daily Post 3^rd October 1978: The Citizen’s Advice Bureau officially opens in Arawa Street, with a trained volunteer staff of 44. They will be open 6 days a week.

Daily Post 1^st October 1980: The Ritz Hall on the Cnr of Fenton & Amohau Streets is demolished.

This Blog Post by Alison with thanks to Papers Past for access to the online copies of the Hot Lakes Chronicle and other New Zealand Newspapers, Rotorua Museum and the Rotorua Library Don Stafford Collection.

The Spectacular Kiwi Summer

Recalling memories of summer holidays in New Zealand aren't complete unless you factor in camping outdoors. As I recall, camping ranged from the basics (packed on a trailer) to the fully stocked caravan or VW Kombi. My family memories of summer camping were at the basic end of the scale. I recall our huge canvas tent that required the whole family to put it up, our food cooled in the river, dinner that was caught right before it was cooked and not an electrical appliance in sight. Entertainment was what we created and roaming miles from a campsite was the norm (as long as you were back by dinner). Meeting and making news friends every holiday was expected and education about the outdoors often vital (getting bit by a katipō spider).

Over the past decades, have summer holidays in New Zealand changed so much? This photo from 1932 shows three popular ways of spending summer holidays. Look familiar?

Auckland Weekly News, 3 February 1932, Courtesy of Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections, AWNS-19320203-40-1

This post focuses on how summer holidays were spent in the Thermal Region of The Bay of Plenty.

As far back as 1895, visitors to the area like Lady Glasgow and her daughters enjoyed their time spent in the Thermal Region and it was described in the newspaper of the day:

"Lady Glasgow and her daughters Augusta, Dorothy and Alice, accompanied by Captains Clayton and Preston whilst here the last few days had a pleasurable cruising trip around Lake Rotorua and Rotoiti, camping out." Hot Lakes Chronicle, Wednesday 27 February, 1895.

In 1926 the Governor-General visited Rotorua and a group of children were captured by an Auckland Weekly News Photographer enjoying a summer dip.

Auckland Weekly News, 11 February 1926, Courtesy of Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19260211-51-7

In 1930 visitors to the thermal district enjoyed a range of activities by boat and car. Love the huge smile of the boy at the photo's centre.

Auckland Weekly News, 19 February 1930, Courtesy of Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19300219-43-1

Some visitors would venture a little further to places like Lake Waikaremoana. This photo captures the natural beauty enjoyed on a journey taken in 1931.

Auckland Weekly News, 16 December 1931, Courtesy of Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland 

Which is a huge contrast to travelling through similar terrain a decade earlier after the rain. This motorist in 1918 faces the challenge admirably, especially smartly dressed.

Auckland Weekly News, 12 December 1918, Courtesy of Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections, AWNS-19181212-31-2

During the summer tourist season in Rotorua, even the local guides need a break. This photo from 1933 shows a group of guides' playing cards, a popular summer holiday pastime.

Auckland Weekly News, 13 December 1933, Courtesy of Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19331213-47-2

This group of young ladies showed their sense of style while spending their summer holiday at Lake Rotoiti in 1934. I love what looks like a tin billy held by the young lady second from the left.

Auckland Weekly News, 24 January 1934, Courtesy of Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19340124-45-4

Five years on and the way people spent their summer holidays hadn't changed much. Activities on and around the lakes were still very popular as seen in this photo from 1939.

Auckland Weekly News, 19 April 1939, Courtesy of Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, AWNS-19390419-47-1

Fast forward three decades and apart from the changes in fashion and cars, holidaymakers at Hamurana in 1970 still spend their summertime close to the waterways of the Thermal District.

W. Neill, January 1970, Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga Flickr AAQT 6539 W3537 101 / A92754 (R24767826). Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

Do these photos bring back your memories of summers past? Why not contribute your memories of summertime in Rotorua, by adding them to Kete Rotorua. You can do that by contacting Alison Leigh at Rotorua Library Te Aka Mauri on 351-7025.

This post was written by Ani. With thanks to Auckland Libraries, Sir George Grey Special Collections, and Archives New Zealand.

A look back to October 1895 in Rotorua.

Rotorua Library c.1895 from the Hot Lakes Chronicle. 

Library and Reading Room, Annual Subscribers Meeting, 11^th October 1895 in the Institute.

Report as printed in the Hot Lakes Chronicle 16^th October 1895.

“Mr C. Malfroy, president, occupied the chair. Mr Malfroy expressed his regret at seeing so comparatively few present, but at the same time signified his delight in meeting amongst the number so many who had been for many years identified with the town”

There follows a reading of the seventh annual report in which a number of concerns are outlined “Your committee very much regret that during the past year no concerts or other entertainments have been given in aid of the Library funds, nor has there been any material receipts from the sale of publications, both of which sources of revenue have been of great assistance in previous years, and taking this into account as well as general financial depression which necessarily reacts on the Institution they have been unable during the past year to order any new books for the Library. They regret this the more, in view of the constant enquiries made by members on the subject, and would earnestly urge on you the duty of individually endeavouring to secure additional subscribers”

The report goes on to say “during the early part of the year the roof of the building was repaired, and your Committee would return their thanks to the Town Board for bearing a portion of the cost… and an application made to the Government for funding to paint the front of the building and repair window frames was granted.

“The quarter acre section formerly occupied by the Government Agent’s office in Arawa Street., has been granted by the Government as a site for a new Library, free of cost, but it is not yet gazetted. It rests with the members, and the general public of Rotorua as to what steps shall be taken to utilise it”

The income for the year is noted as £79 14s 5p and their expenditure is also £79 14s 5p. So no money is wasted!

Later in the report of Mr Malfroy he records the following “in regard to the new Library site he was pleased to find that the Surveyor-General had seen fit to keep all the Government buildings, so far, on the one block. The site set apart was in his opinion, one of the best in the town and he hoped means would soon be forthcoming to build an institute which would be a credit to the place”

The Institute mentioned here is, not the Victoria Institute building into which the Library moves into by November 1898, it is the Library building at Ohinemutu which had been opened officially on 10^th April 1889 in what was described as an old building next to the Comet Store. The Victoria Institute was situated on Arawa Street was the next location for the Library, this building also included Rotorua’s first museum. 

Between 1898 and 1940 many additions and changes occurred and on 14 October 1940 the new library in the Municipal Building was opened with approximately 2000 items (books and magazines). The children’s library stayed at the Victoria Institute until the collection was moved in 1941. 

To read an overview of the Rotorua Library history 1889 to 2009, click here

125 year Celebrations, Rotorua Library 

Here are a few Local News and Notes published in the Hot Lakes Chronicle 2^nd October 1895:

 “Mr W. Rogers has just received a consignment of prime Canterbury potatoes at his store.”

“The Town Board notify water consumers in arrears with their fees that unless same be paid by the 15^th inst. the supply will be cut off”

“The telephone posts for the service between the old and new townships are now being erected, and as soon as the wires are stretched the instrument will be fixed in Mr Lakin’s shop”

“In looking over a map in the Courthouse the other day the eye fell on a place called Ngapepeangaowaiwhakanga, situated on the shore of Lake Okataina. Ngapepe-&c., ought to be utilised as a name for one of our streets.”

“Mr H. Kirk opened the new butcher’s shop which has been erected for him on Fenton Street…. The fittings and general appearance of the shop reflect the greatest credit on the contractor. The walls of the office are of mottled Tawa which bears a strong resemblance to English Oak and the ceiling is of Rimu from Messrs Kusabs yards. The ceiling of the shop, which is very lofty, is composed of alternate planks of black and white varnished Tawa and a pretty pattern of paper covers the walls.”

“…Mr Clarke (C.A.C. Clarke) is a deft manipulator of all that is enticing in the way of harmless ‘refreshers’, the knowledge of which fact opens up a vista of happiness for even the most rabid Prohibitionist during the coming sultry summer months.”

And last but not least J

“The Library Committee handed in an estimate of the cost of renovating the building. A sum of £7 was asked for, but it was explained that this would only meet urgent requirements as three times that amount could be spent to great advantage” 

Moving Day, from our 21 year tenancy of the Masonic Building
to 1127 Haupapa Street. November 1991. 

With thanks to Papers Past for online access to this Rotorua Newspaper.

This blog post compiled by Alison.

On this day in the Hot Lakes Chronicle

On this day in the Hot Lakes Chronicle - 24 July 1895

In July of 1895, Rotorua was experiencing very chilly temperatures.

Temperatures of 14° Fahrenheit or minus 10° Celsius were reported on in the Hot Lakes Chronicle. At least locals may have been able to warm up at the Priest's Bath and the Sulphur Bath which ranged from 35-41° Celsius.

 While we now have an abundance of beautiful trees in Rotorua, in 1895 residents had been deterred from planting trees by the "evils" of stray cattle.

The Town Board took matters into their own hands and decided to plant 600 trees throughout the town. As well as leading by example, they moved to strictly enforce the Impounding Act and abolish de-pasturing licences which allowed farmers to graze the land.




Instead of keeping stock away from young trees with barbed wire, they decided to try a new form of tree guard suggested by Mr Roger Dansey.







Something that hasn't changed since 1895 is the recommendation to only take to the roads when sober.




To get the latest literature in 1895, you could view print catalogues at the Hot Lakes Chronicle office. Of course it's now far easier and you can view the Rotorua Library catalogue online!

The 24 July 1895 edition of the Hot Lakes Chronicle also reports on issues such as postal delays, the recommendation for a Public Hall, the initiation of a Māori band, town land agreements and the wit of Guide Sophia.

The Hot Lakes Chronicle was digitised in a joint project between Rotorua Library and the National Library. So much can be learned of our past on this fabulous resource which is available online at Papers Past.

Rotorua's First Ever Newspaper is now Online!

 Brief History :

Hot Lakes Chronicle - 9 Jun 1885-1916

The first district newspaper, founded by Theodore Lechner, printed in Rotorua. Publication was suspended in 1886, reappearing Sun 8 Oct 1887 under ownership of P A Crawford. Very few copies from this period exist. In Apr 1889 it became the Hot Lakes Weekly Chronicle, with 12 pages and more news. At this time it was being printed in Tauranga. Then from Jul 1889 was again called the Hot Lakes Chronicle, Published by Crawford who had offices at Ohinemutu and then in Arawa Street.

Proprietor and editor from 1895, F. F. Watt. Cyclopedia of New Zealand referred to it as “a first class weekly chronicle of all matters pertaining to the thermal district”. During the tourist season of 1901 it was published as a bi-weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, but reverted to the Saturday issue for the winter months. Eight columns of reading matter, apart from advertisements.

This Newspaper is now available to read online via the National Library of NZs database, Papers Past.  A link to this wonderful resource is also available on the Rotorua District Library Online Catalogue.

 Article of Interest from 20 February 1895

On page 2 : “Protection of Trout” A meeting to consider the best means of preserving and protecting the trout in the various rivers in the district was held in the Palace Hotel on Friday evening, the 8^th inst.

A list of attendees follows this and includes: J.H. Taylor voted to the chair, C. Malfroy Esq. J.P., Messrs Dansey, McRae, Warbrick, Webb, Carnachan, W. Kelly, M.H.R. Thom and others from Auckland.

“The Chairman said it was absolutely necessary for measures to be taken at once for the preservation and protection of the trout in their rivers and to arrange a constant supply of them from the hatching ponds. He had heard that the natives had been spearing and netting them and he had been told that even white people had threatened to dynamite them…”  The article goes on to document every word said, by every attendee and makes interesting reading for those interested in how this predecessor of modern conservation of trout in the district began.

 Here's what else was in the paper on 20 February 1895

 

Microfiche of this newspaper is also available to view on the 2nd Floor of the

Rotorua District Library. 

 

Dates available : 15 Feb 1895 - 20 Feb 1897, 4-5 Nov 1905

 

Other Newspapers also on Microfiche :
Rotorua Post 6 May 1948 - 1960 ; Rotorua Morning Post 24 Aug 1931—May 1948 ;

Rotorua Chronicle 10 Aug 1931 ; Daily Post 1961 to Present Day

Hot Lakes Chonicle and Tourists Journal, Christmas 1895

Hot Lakes Chronicle Christmas article with modern translation.

Wednesday, December 25, 1895

CHRISTMAS has once more come round when it behoves us to wish our supporters and our non-supporters – all the compliments of the season. Here, as in other communities there are carping individuals to be met and endured, who retort that in the struggle for existence now going on, there is little inducement to pass empty compliments. Our philosophy at Christmas-tide prompts us to make the best of existing things, and, standing as we are on the threshold of another year, trust that the coming months may be laden with a panacea for all our ills. With this brief homily we wish each and one of our readers, A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

CHRISTMAS IS HERE! And we wish everyone the compliments of the season. Here, as in other places, there are groaning gerties who struggle for something nice to say and whom we must put up with. Our thoughts at Christmas are to make the best of things and at the beginning of another year, trust that the coming months may be full of answers for all our problems. With this short message we wish all our readers, A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Behove: be fitting, to be right and proper or appropriate for somebody.

Carping: finding fault, complaining or tending to…

Retort: respond sharply, say something sharp, angry or witty.

Inducement: a prospect or reward that gives somebody a reason for acting in a specific way.

Homily: a sermon on a moral or religious topic, a speech with a moralizing theme.

Panacea: a cure for ills/disease, solution to problems.